Reading My Arse!: Searching for the Rock Island Line

by Ricky Tomlinson

This is the story of how the lyrics of a song lead to a young Scouse musician on an adventure that takes him across the United States and through a series of life-changing experiences.

112 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Erica⭐ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is the compelling story of how the lyrics of a song The Rock Island Line lead a young Scouse musician Eric on an adventure that takes him across the United States and through a series of life-changing experiences.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read at less than ten chapters. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this took me by surprise. It came across as almost biographical, packed with facts as it was. It was certainly very interesting.

[Mise Enda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice short read. If I won the lotto, I might try a similar trip to Eric in the book.

[Tracey Pearce · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not book was expecting thought was going to be about his reading habits not a short story about trying to find origins of a Lonnie donnegan song

[Felicity · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb said “Inspired by Ricky’s love of reading….” and that was enough to hook me. It’s the late 50s Rock n Roll is in its infancy and young Eric sets out from Liverpool on the adventure of his lifetime. Books and the love of reading underpin the story and I’d give it an extra half star if I could.

[Plum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am really sorry but this just didn't hit the right note for me. I felt that RT was writing from experience, it would certainly be 'his' era and the music from my vague memory was a thing he did before acting. It was a reasonable storyline, but it felt a tiny bit forced.

[Anita Birtles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this short story would have liked to be longer and have the hero in more adventures.

[Kris McCracken · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do like Ricky Tomlinson as an actor and storyteller. The best thing that I can say about his first crack at a novel is that it is an excellent example of the sheer work that needs to go into writing an effective and well-crafted novel. That is, the gift of the gab is nowhere near enough if you want to write a convincing story.

[John Lane · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was an ok read but would not read anymore